Causeway Coast and Glens Council has announced that from 1st July 2023 the level of Fixed Penalty fines for dog fouling and littering will increase from £80 to £200.

New regulations, Environmental Offences (Fixed Penalties) (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2022, allow Councils to set increased Fixed Penalty Notice levels at not less than £50 and not more than £200.

Council is using the month of June to raise awareness of the increase and to remind the public that it is an offence to fail to remove dog foul from a public place and to throw down litter in any public spaces.

Aiden McPeake, Director of Environment al Services explained: “Council had previously set the level of Fixed Penalty Notices for litter and fouling offences at £80, with no increase since 2012. Setting new increased levels of fines will help combat the ongoing problems of dog fouling and littering in the Borough.

“The new Fixed Penalty notice level has been set at £200, with an early payment option of £150 if the fine is paid within 14 days. Council hopes that increased fines will act as a further deterrent against the behaviours of littering and failing to remove dog fouling.”

Council officers will be actively enforcing this legislation and applying these fines from 1st July 2023 onwards. Anyone detected failing to remove dog foul or littering will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice at the new level.

Anyone wishing to report incidences of dog fouling and littering can do so by contacting the Council’s Environmental Health Team by ringing 0282766 0200 or email environmentalhealth@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

We would also remind the public that the Green Dog Walker scheme is still operating.

If you would like to become a Green Dog Walker please email your name and address to greendogwalker@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

All those who sign up will receive a Green Dog Walker collar and lead for each licenced dog they own along with a keyring torch and approximately 50 branded poo bags.

You can find out more information on our website at https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/health-and-built-environment/licensing/green-dog-walkers-scheme